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Strategies

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Rachel Gomez
  • July 5, 2013
Rev it up

A company that started in the solar-power vehicle business has shifted directions. The trick, executives have learned, is to stay flexible.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 5, 2013
Fly boys

A trio of executives takes aim at what they call an 'underserved and overpriced' niche of the aviation insurance market. The plan has rocketed to success.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 5, 2013
Water way

Freedom Boat Club's mission goes deeper than mere sales growth. The firm also targets more appreciation within the boating industry.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • James R.
  • June 28, 2013
Dare to be different

How differentiation can put you on the map — and give your business a competitive advantage.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 28, 2013
Corporate Report: June 28

A roundup of the top corporate news of the week.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • June 28, 2013
Making waves

Chris-Craft, the local company that made boats for John F. Kennedy and Elvis Presley, has slowly sailed back to pre-downturn levels. One key lesson: Get expenses under control — quickly.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Rachel Gomez
  • June 28, 2013
Fishy fun

An innovative local nutrition business unwittingly landed a stellar celebrity endorsement when Jennifer Aniston talked up its products. Now the firm seeks to find a lot more friends.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Janet Leiser
  • June 28, 2013
Chasing the dream

Don't look for Chuck Prather to part with the Birchwood Inn in the near future. The developer has a new calling as an innkeeper.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Cheryl O'Neill
  • June 24, 2013
How to finance 'the big one'

Big orders can be a double-edged sword for small businesses. Here are a couple of options that can help you say 'yes' to large orders without going bankrupt.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • June 21, 2013
Be brave

A Gulf Coast manufacturer invested at least $1.5 million in the last 18 months to fend off a big competitor. Executives hope their edge is in local control.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Traci McMillan Beach
  • June 21, 2013
Designed to sell

Creating a lifestyle brand requires designing a unique customer experience, Tom Henken and Juan Romero agree. Understanding the customer's psychology of shopping is what their architecture firm does best.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 21, 2013
Corporate Report: June 21

A roundup of the top corporate news of the week.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • June 21, 2013
In Minto condition

Canadian developer and homebuilder Minto Group is making an aggressive push on the Gulf Coast. Michael Belmont leads the charge.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jamie Kane
  • June 14, 2013
Discover what matters to your customers

Setting up a selling process that increases customer feedback and contact can enhance the breadth and depth of your relationship — and boost sales.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • June 14, 2013
Clothes horse

An outlet chain in business 25 years looks to redefine how customers perceive its brand. It's a delicate balance.

  • Strategies
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